Inquiry told of palliative care 'gaps'

A Senate inquiry committee sitting in Alice Springs has heard that palliative care is inadequate in central Australia.

The inquiry is looking into funding and workforce issues, advance care and factors influencing access to palliative care across Australia.

Health care workers and providers have highlighted a need for a hospice in the region and more resources to help deal with cultural issues related to dying.

Senator Rachel Siewert says the committee was surprised at the depth of the problems.

"From the evidence we've received today, despite the very good work that we've been hearing about, there's obviously gaps and that's because of resources and not because there's any deficiency in the work people are doing," she said.